Ragtime music — a blend of European styles and African American rhythms considered the forerunner of jazz — has found an unlikely home in Durango, Colo. For nearly 70 years, the Diamond Bell Saloon at the historic Strater Hotel has featured live ragtime piano, making it one of the only venues in the country where audiences can hear the music performed regularly. A pianist who holds a master's degree in historical musicology from the Peabody Conservatory plays up to six nights a week on an 1902 upright grand piano, calling the experience "time travel" for audiences.

Now, that same musician has launched the Durango Ragtime and Early Jazz Festival, now in its second year as a nonprofit. The festival brings approximately seven of the country's top ragtime and early jazz musicians to Durango each year, with the goal of preserving the music and introducing it to new audiences. Organizers say Durango's size, rich ragtime history and the Strater Hotel — built during the ragtime era — make it an ideal home for the festival. For more information, visit durangoragtime.com.

By Paige Sparks

This story is sponsored by Tafoya Barrett & Associates and Keesee Motor Company

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Here are three events worth putting on your calendar this week — Stillwater Music's Battle of the Bands at Miller Middle School on April 10th, the 30th annual Durango Bluegrass Meltdown running April 10th through 12th, and the Colorado Black Equity Study Community Listening Session at Fort Lewis College on April 11th from noon to 2 p.m.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers and Happy Pappy's Pizza & Wings.

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The city's annual Spring Cleanup is now underway, running through April 30th, with city crews moving through residential neighborhoods picking up furniture, appliances, yard waste, and more. Coming up April 2nd through 4th, the Duranglers Fly Fishing Festival returns with three days of films, clinics, demos, and deals, kicking off Thursday night at Animas City Theatre with the Fly Fishing Film Tour. And sign-ups are now open for Maria's Literary Foundation's Second Annual Read-a-Thon, running April 10th through 20th, benefiting youth literacy in Durango.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Serious Texas Bar-B-Q.

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Colorado's new Wildfire Resiliency Building Code requires fire-resistant materials and vegetation management for new construction and major home renovations in wildfire-prone areas. The town of Pagosa Springs plans to adopt the code April 1, with full implementation by July 1. Organizations like Wildfire Adapted Partnership offer free property assessments to help homeowners reduce their risk, even if the code does not apply to them yet.

By Christi Bode

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This story is sponsored by FASTSIGNS Durango and Blondies Trophy Room.

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This week in Durango, the Durango-La Plata County Airport is collecting non-perishables, hygiene products, and infant supplies for TSA workers who have been without pay during the federal government shutdown — drop off donations at the airline ticketing lobby inside the main entry doors. On Wednesday, March 25th, Durango Comedy brings March Sadness to the Durango Arts Center — doors open at 6:30 with the show starting at 7:00, tickets are $25. And the Spring in the Rockies Arts and Crafts Festival closes out the month at the La Plata County Fairgrounds — Saturday March 28th from 9:00 to 3:00 and Sunday March 29th from 10:00 to 2:00, featuring 70 local artists and crafters along with food and door prizes.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by The FLC Center for Innovation and Dunkin Donuts.

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Durango artist Matt Clark of Little Bud Designs and mural artist Parker Ledford created Ebb and Flow — a public mural along the Animas River trail pulling from Clark's collage and illustration work. Clark says he wanted the piece to have something for everyone in the Durango community.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by the Payroll Department and Durango Gelato Coffee & Tea.

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Cortez Livestock has served Montezuma County since 1959, providing a place for local ranchers and Native American producers to buy, sell, and trade livestock. As family farms and ranches continue to decline, this longtime auction barn remains a critical part of preserving Western heritage and supporting local agriculture.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Freddy’s Frozen Custard and Steakburgers

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On Friday, March 20th, local artist Shanda Akin invites the community to a free evening of art and conversation at Four Leaves Winery starting at 6 p.m. — drinks, light bites, and an artist talk are all included. Also opening March 20th, the Durango Arts Center presents Trey Parker's Cannibal: The Musical, a darkly comedic retelling of the true story of Alferd Packer, running through March 29th. And looking ahead to March 27th, the Southwestern Water Conservation District hosts its 42nd Annual Water Seminar at Sky Ute Casino Resort in Ignacio, bringing together community leaders for a full day of panels on the future of water in the Southwest.

By Sadie Smith

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This story is sponsored by Dunkin' Donuts and RMW Tafoya Barrett & Associates.

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